MAGISTRATES refused to postpone a court trial for a man who failed to get legal representation.

Michael Ball, of Kings Hill, Kempsey, near Worcester, is due to face two charges of assault and possession of an imitation firearm.

At Worcester Magistrates Court, the 33-year-old asked for the trial to be vacated, giving him time to find a new solicitor.

The bench, however, refused the application when prosecutors claimed it would be difficult to convince the young witnesses to stand if the trial was delayed. The trial will go ahead, as planned, on Thursday, December 13, and Friday, December 14.